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The Outline of a Table Tennis Table

Table tennis is also known as ping pong. It is a game that is enjoyed in both a casual manner as well as a professional one. Tables are present in many schools, some homes, and even offices have been known to encourage the game. While it is a game that most people around the world are familiar with it, not many know the history of the game, let alone the table used in it. This article contains some of the fascinating facts and figures that make up a table tennis playing table.

The Dimensions of a Table Tennis Table

There are numerous manufacturers of the average tennis table. As a result, these tables come in various sizes. The tables that are not used in a professional capacity don’t really have to abide by any particular regulations. However, those who wish to play at a competitive level must do so on tables sporting the dimensions and materials set forth by the International Table Tennis Federation (IITF).

The IITF maintains that a table tennis table needs to be exactly 2.74 meters long. It should also be 1.525m wide. There are lines running along the edge of the length – these are known as the edge lines. The shorter lines drawn along the width are called end lines. These lines are white in color and each of them are precisely two centimeters wide. The playing surface on the table stands 0.76m above the ground.

In the center of the table, drawn parallel to the end lines is where the net is placed. This is the spot that cleaves the table precisely in half. The net hangs over the table at each end at 15.3cm. The net is touching the table and the topmost part of the net is 15.3cm.

As you are aware, doubles matches are also played on a table tennis table. This is why the table is divided into half lengthwise as well, marked by a white line. These two areas have the same dimensions. The white line is 3mm thick.

There are certain regulations for the playing around the table as well. For instance, the IITF deems that there has to be at least 14m available along the length of the table. There also needs to be at least 5 meters for the width.
Last but not least, there needs to be 5m of space above the table as well. The authorities also insist that there are surrounds placed around this playing area. They need to be around 75 cm high.

There are some tables that can either be folded or separated so that they can be stored more easily. The division will always be at the center of the table, parallel to the end lines. This is so that the playing surface of the table will not be disrupted.

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What is a Table Tennis Table Made Of

The ITTF is relatively lenient when it comes to the type of material that table tennis table are made from. Essentially, the tables can be made from almost any appropriate material. The governing body does require one thing, nonetheless, and that is the bounce that the surface produces. According to the ITF, the ball must bounce a height of 23cm once it is dropped from a height of 30cm.

That being said, typically it is wood or materials derived from wood that are used in competitions. These tables can vary anywhere from 12mm to 30mm in thickness. The most popular tends to be 25mm, however, as it has been found to have the perfect amount of bounce.

Despite wood options being the most popular, table tennis tables can be made from fiberglass, particleboard, plastic plywood, and even metal. There is also no color specified for the tables. The ITTF does insist that it be a dark color, nonetheless, and that the surface be matte. The lines that are drawn must be white.

The Evolution of the Table Tennis Table

Much like any other indoor sports, it appears that table tennis began when people tried to bring lawn tennis indoors. This was somewhere towards the end of the nineteenth century. This rudimentary version of the game involved common household items at first. This meant that the first table tennis table was probably either a dining table or a desk of sorts. The net was made from books lined end to end. It is assumed that cigar boxes were used as stand-ins for rackets.

As the sport grew more popular, manufacturers began to cash in on the interest. They each came up with their own versions of the table tennis table, racket, and ball. John Jacques & Son were one of the first companies to start producing table tennis sets. Interestingly enough, it was also where the name Ping Pong originated from. This was the noise that was created when the ball hit the velum covered rackets. John Jacques & Son patented this name which is why, to this day, some confusion regarding ping pong and table tennis remain. Although these two are the same game, the manufacturer ensured that by patenting the name, others couldn’t use it. This was why table tennis was used by authorities.

It was not until much later that people began focusing on the quality of table tennis tables. In the beginning, most people were preoccupied with improving the form and function of the balls and rackets. These were seen as the truly important parts of the game and therefore were what needed development the most.

It was only once authorities such as the IITF were formed that regulations began coming into play to ensure fairness all around. Somewhere down the line, the authorities decided that the tables needed to be made in a way that assured the same bounce, across the board.

Tables Similar to Table Tennis Tables

As it has been established, there is no actual difference between table tennis and ping pong, despite the names that individuals choose to call it. Therefore, it is possible to play table tennis on a ping pong table as well. Of course, if you wish to do so in a professional capacity, you will need to make sure that the table adheres to the regulations set forth by the ITTF.

There aren’t really games or sports that are really similar to table tennis. This means that it is difficult to find playing areas that are comparable to the game. That being said, it is technically possible to play the game on any flat surface that resembles wood. After all, this is where the sport got its start.

As you can imagine, this is not the same as playing on a table that has been specifically designed for the game. To keep the conditions as similar as possible, you should pay attention to the bounce allowed by the table. As long as the surface of the table produces a bounce that is akin to that of a real table, you should be able to play on it. For the best possible results, you should look for tables with surfaces that are more than 22cm thick.

These are the past and current conditions surrounding the table tennis table that you know so well. However, this is not a sport that is done evolving. In fact, there are rumors that the table used for this game may be undergoing changes in the near future. Everyone will have to wait to see what unfolds.